Dear John,
This year has brought the human rights community many wins and losses. We have overcome obstacles in U.S. policies, advocated for human-rights respective policies across the Americas, and stood alongside partners, civil society, and international organizations in the fight for human rights in Latin America.
While we gear up for what is to be a year full of challenges and opportunities, our work for 2023 has not ended. This week, I spoke at a press conference with Congresswoman Norma Torres, Congressman Joaquin Castro, and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and representatives of U.S. and Guatemalan civil society to call for the peaceful transition of power in Guatemala and an end to the Public Prosecutor Office’s interference in the electoral process.
On December 14, Stephanie Brewer, Director for Mexico, and Adam Isacson, Director for Defense Oversight, spoke at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing to discuss human-rights based approaches to combating organized crime while guaranteeing the rights and protection of its victims in Latin America, with a particular focus on Mexico, El Salvador, and Colombia.
In other news, this week WOLA’s Director for the Andes, Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, spoke at the Moving Past the Monroe Doctrine Toward a New Era in U.S.-Latin American Relations event organized with the Office of Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, where she discussed the legacy of Plan Colombia and made recommendations to U.S. policymakers about the promotion of peace and human rights in Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.
Our work in Congress this week also led us to join the voices of those opposing the current budget negotiations in Congress that would further limit legal migration pathways, including asylum.
It has been an intense week, but we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the continued support of our community. Thank you for reading our Weekly Newsletters each week, for standing alongside us in what was a busy year, and generously supporting our work. We are deeply grateful.
As this year comes to an end, I would like to wish you and your families a happy holiday and prosperous new year!
Warm Wishes,
